How high does the dog jump?

The push-in type metal fencing doesn't even keep my much more petite Cocker spaniel from getting into flower beds. I can't imagine it being any kind of deterrent to a large lab mix!!

Perhaps the neighbors would be willing to pay half of the cost. It might be worth it to ask. But do contact your county/city zoning department to see if there are restrictions and the "before you dig" hotline in case of buried lines. Good luck!

the lab is designer dog, mixed with a small breed a poodle i think so it's a medium size dog, not a typical lab size. the dog doesn't jump, just runs sometimes, and poops alot

we talked to neighbor about splitting cost of fence but something comes up on their end. no issues with zoning unless fence is over 6 ft which it wont be, all wires are above ground

I suggest looking at the big boxes' selection online. Try something easy and cheap first to see what height will work. Note that rolled fencing such as "rabbit fence" will require post-digging. The thicker the wire, the more work it is to install.

Use green chicken wire until you can afford a nice fence. It's nearly invisible and easy enough to install.

I like the idea of trying a roll of fencing first. I'd get green coated, 3' tall wire. And I'd get green-painted metal posts that you just stick into the ground. Green wire and green posts make it visually unobtrusive. So even though it's not adding 'class' to your yard, it's not a big detriment. Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you stop them using your yard as a bathroom, the better. Temp fence asap, nicer fence later.

is electrical fence legal if the neighbor has a young toddler?

Whether an electric fence is legal or not may not matter if your neighbor has a good lawyer.

do you mean like this?

The no dig fence from Lowes is what I have. I think it’s great. It keeps my dog in and others out. It is sturdy and tall.

i was wrong, it more like 50-60 ft not 20 like i guessed. does anyone know of no dig fence that is 24" or taller that are in the $10 to $15 range that dont look too cheap?

i may be able to get away with the green wire fence towards the back of the yard where its not visible from street and get the nicer ones (about 10 panels that are 3' length) for the front

frustrating because the only reason for fence is because of their poorly trained dog

would something like these work?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Accents-Large-Finial-Border-Fence/1000489811?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-Empire-30-in-x-36-in-Black-Steel-3-Rail-Fence-Panel-860190/205371770

The first one, probably not, but yes to the second.

maybe I'm missing something, but isn't it the owners responsibility to keep the dog in their yard? Why are you spending money to keep the mutt from pooping on your property?

Have you contacted Animal control/ City animal services?

you seem to be nice and polite, and the neighbors/owners seem to not take you serious. Tell them to split the cost with you or call up animal services and they can be cited. their choice

I'll also add, if that dog comes over on your property and hurts someone on your property, you will be responsible for it. The owner will too, but if he bites a kid on your property, it's your homeowners that's going to get dinged.

There is no way I'd pay any money to keep a dog from my property. That's the owners responsibility

i know it sounds bad and its frustrating but the dog poops about once a week. neighbors clean up but sometimes they miss it. we were going to go 1/2 with fence this year but lumber prices skyrocketed due to covid.

i should have added that they also have a young toddler who comes over unsupervised (only a minute or 2) so i want to avoid any possible legal issues if the child injures himself.

ive talked to them and they apologize but i want to protect myself and my property in the meantime

Your neighbors haven't learned the basics of being neighborly. You are not responsible for their dog or kid; they are! What about neighbors on the other side of them? What experience are they having? Maybe the offending neighbor should be confronted by everyone they're offending. See if you can find allies in your cause. The neighbor's kid and dog need fencing on their property, not yours.

the toddler wanders over too? geez, great parents. they shouldn't have a dog let alone a kid.

It's time to play grown up here. Tell the neighbors you've talked w/your insurance company to see what would happen regarding the dog (forget the kid for now). Tell them about the liability you'll face, plus what it will come back on them. I've been through this w/my kid and my neighbors dog. Let's just say my son got a very nice settlement out of it and the people had to get rid of their dog.

Tell the neighbors you'll need money for THEIR half of the fence. lets face it. They know you're going to do it so what's the incentive for them to pay for it??

Like I said, call animal control if they refuse to work w/you.

maybe you can sit down with him and relay your concerns. Tell him you don't want to get the authorities involved, but if they continue to ignore their neighbors, what choice are they leaving you?

It doesn't matter if they pick up the poop.

Here's a scenario for you. Neighbor comes over to pick up the poop of their dog on YOUR property. Something happens and he breaks his leg, falls, trips, whatever. Guess who's liable for all his medical costs? yep. Maybe his dog dies and he ends up suing you.

So I can see why you want the fence, but the point is, your neighbors dog shouldn't be wandering over, nor should his toddler! (WTH?) He should have a fence around his yard.

next time the kid wanders over unsupervised, bring the child inside and call the cops. You may be doing the child a favor.

i understand what you are saying but at this point i want to protect us legally. if their dog or kid gets injured on our property, i will automatically get sued. the neighbor on the other side have a fence so no issue there. i really wish it were easier but i guess that saying is true that good fences make good neighbors. in this case, i want it to be least expensive but as good looking as possible heh

This is what I used until our holly hedge kept the dogs out.

The photo didn't load, but 3' green coated poultry netting from Home Depot.

I installed this Lowes black metal fencing around my patio and it didn't last a year. Completely rusted through and fell down.

Havahart Ss-750rpx Electric Pet Fence Kit

Electric Fence on Amazon

The simple fact is that they are letting their dog out without a leash and it is not staying in their yard, You putting up a fence will not stop the dog from wondering into the street. It will also not stop the toddler from wondering into the street.

These owners/parents need to take responsibility. You need to judge their mental stability. If you believe them to be a nuisance, but not dangerous talk to them. Clearly state that you do not want their dog or their child on your property and explain that you will call the authorities if it happens again. Explain that you do not want to call the authorities, but it is dangerous to allow a dog or child to be out unsupervised and you don't want to find out that one of them has been hit by a car or something else happened to them. To prevent this you will do your civic duty and call the authorities.

If the child comes on your property unsupervised take pictures and call CPS. Do not bring the child into your home unless you want to defend yourself when the parents accuse you of improper behavior with their child.

If the dog gets out again call animal control and register a complaint and ask that they send a letter to the owner.

If they continue to let the dog roam onto your property coax it into your garage with a treat.

Confine the dog to your garage and call animal control.

The responding Animal Control Officer will most likely return the dog to the owners without confiscation, but will register the event, give them a lecture and let them know that the next time the dog will be taken to the shelter and they will have to pay a fine to get it back.

If you think they may be dangerous put up the tallest legal fence possible and avoid any contact with them. I had a neighbor that frightened me - always trust your gut. In my case about 3 months after I moved my old neighbor shot and killed 2 teenagers who trespassed on his property while walking home from school.

jennifer, when I said bring the child into your home to call the police, I meant it as a safety issue.

Have you ever called CPS yourself? They are going to tell you to call the police if the child's safety is an issue at that moment. Do you actually think they're going to send out a social worker immediately? No. They'll make a report of you calling and notifying them of your complaint, but they'll want you to call the PD. The police dept will then decide if a report is warranted with a notification to CPS about the matter.

Sorry, but I'm not leaving a toddler alone out in my yard because I'm afraid I may have to defend myself as a child molester? I understand what you're saying, but I'd use my own judgement. At some point common sense has rule. I suppose I could let the child wander in my yard as I supervise and call the police. (what has this world become) But what if the weather is cold and the kid is barefoot? what if I have tools and holes throughout the yard? I think I'll pick up the kid to take him inside to call. This defense against child 'improper behavior' has gone way too far off to one side. use your phone and videotape the kid the entire time. whatever. I'm still putting the child's safety first.

Hi Vic T. My neighbor has the second fence across their front yard https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-Empire-30-in-x-36-in-Black-Steel-3-Rail-Fence-Panel-860190/205371770 and it looks nice and has been in place for several years so it must be somewhat sturdy.

I'd start with a section at the point where the dog crosses into your yard and add a generous length, perhaps 10 feet on each end. You may not have to do the entire 60 ft. at first. It's been my experience with certain breeds of dogs that once they hit a barrier, they turn around. Other breeds will explore and explore to find a way out of an enclosure, but since this dog isn't enclosed, it's simply running in a straight line of freedom and you need to stop that straight line. As budget permits, you can add a section to the length until all is covered.

All the best to you, life in a neighborhood can certainly be challenging.

I need to see pictures because if you just put a fence along the one side what is stopping the dog from just going around it. I have no idea what the rules are where you regarding pets , but where I live it is a $200 fine if your dog wanders and you get one warning period. Post some pics of the yard and no the kid won’t die from the shock of the electric wire but you need to find out if that is leagal where you live. i find it odd the dog only poops once a week in your yard .

Get a camera - take pictures of their dog and kid in your yard. Try one of the ultrasonic wave dog repellents.

@beth - My work history includes being a paralegal both in Real Estate Eminent Domain Law and for a Family Law practice before going into IT where I spent 20+ years in Humane Services, 3 years with County Mental Health Systems, 7 years with Medicare CMS reporting. I also volunteered with Emergency Animal Rescue as part of the large animal wild fire response team.

With both Humane and Mental Health Services I maintained reporting systems and created the statistical reporting for dispatch, 211, emergency and suicide hotline calls. I have a pretty solid understanding of how our emergency response systems work.

I agree with you that a child's safety is paramount and if the child is in imminent danger you have to take care of the child. However, taking a child away from where they are,without informing the parents instead of monitoring the situation or returning the child to their parents can get you into a pretty sticky situation.

Another idea that might work well for your situation - Motion activated sprinklers. Dogs and kids can be deterred if they get blasted with water upon entering your yard.

https://www.amazon.com/Hoont-Garden-Motion-Activated-Blaster/dp/B078R6PRZ6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=motion+activated+sprinkler&qid=1607002685&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A1LSPWVY4UBA2T&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFaSzhMTExITTdOR0UmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MzE3MDJBTVlMVlJKTDFPVFUmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDUyMDEwODJDQlI1OUlIRVFTRUQmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

jennifer, Are we still stuck on the "I don't want to be accused of inappropriate touching on a kid" issue?

"If the child comes on your property unsupervised take pictures and call CPS. Do not bring the child into your home unless you want to defend yourself when the parents accuse you of improper behavior with their child."

Of course there are always, 'what if's'. I'm not disagreeing with you. But you seem to have taken my comment (about picking up the kid to call the police) and turned it upside down! Judging by your 'resume', I can see you have no practical, hands on experience in the matter.

If I was the neighbor and looked to see a toddler wandering in my yard, I'd pick up the toddler, bring them inside and call the police. Sorry if you disagree. (if I was on friendly terms w/my neighbor I'd immediately take the child and walk next door to see what was going on. mkay? )

"However, taking a child away from where they are,without informing the parents instead of monitoring the situation or returning the child to their parents can get you into a pretty sticky situation."

Ok, so I never said to do any of what you're stating. Monitoring the situation?! What the..?

If the kid is wandering in my yard, and has done so on previous occasions (which OP has said), it's time to get the authorities involved. (i'm not going to monitor the kid in my yard.)

I'm also not going to kidnap the child and hold them until the police get there. Obviously, I'd check the safety issue first, pick up the kid or supervise him while standing next to him, while phoning the police. (not CPS). Then I'd walk the kid back over to his home ,chew out the parents, and advise them the local pd is on the way. (again, if we are friendly w/each other and I know the parents are good parents and the kid just wandered off, I wouldn't call the police. Using my common sense and knowledge, I'd determine what should be done) Are you getting the common sense theme in all of this?

If one observes a 2yr kid walking around your backyard, I don't know of any decent human who is going to let the toddler continue to wander in order to avoid being accused of some sick, perverted activity. I really don't see why your work history figures in to any of this. I'm talking common sense and protecting the toddler. You're taking it off to a whole diff level. You have never personally handled a situation like this. I have.

Oh, my experience? A lot more than you have.

Vic. You're right about the legal issues. All I'm saying is that the neighbor is responsible for containing his pet and his kid. If you want to foot the bill yourself for the fence, go for it. I was just trying to help you out w/getting the money from the neighbor to do it.

Looks like the neighbor ponying up the funds isn't going to happen, since they're reluctant to pay attention to the dog or the kid. (hence my 'get the authorities involved' comment so they're forced to put up the money). Merely trying to save you some money Vic.

"Bad" neighbor situations generally do not have great solutions.

Talk to the neighbor one last time. Or better yet, put it in a politely stern letter from your attorney. The next time you see the dog in your yard, you are getting a very GOOD fence, and he will be the recipient of the entire bill.

As to the child: - Inform them you absolutely do NOT want to have to call the police. Suggest a high lock on their doors a child can not reach. I doubt they are uncaring or abusing that child.

This sounds like one of those situations, of ditzy neighbors, and another neighbor getting aggravated in escalating degrees. Completely understandable if you are childless, without pets and they are a young and .................DITSY. I doubt they are kicking a sweet dog, or not caring for their toddler. They have scooped poop in your yard, and seems the child isn't bruised or starving. Don't double your trouble, or theirs. One more talk, and then the letter.

"Leash the dog, or electric fence your property, lock the child/ doors, OR PAY. Last chance, or you have given me no recourse but to fence at your expense, and call the authorities, on dog AND child......and you. I'd hate to have to do that."

The end

Vic T: yes, that's the type of fence I meant (green wire, green metal stakes). Good enough to keep dogs and toddlers out of your yard immediately, and without needing to go high order on your neighbors.

I think the black fencing from Lowe’s that Chris suggested will be nice with your Victorian. Fence as much as needed and then present the bill to your neighbor. They should pay all of it but settle for half.

The push in fencing should be enough to deter the dog. We had our nieghbors dog routinely deficating in our garden and yard by our front door and it also would run at us when we were coming up to our own door. Our animal control was worthless, never reponded to the complaints called in... so we just put up with it until we had our kid, and decided a barrier would be best.

We put the black enamel coated fencing that Christopher referenced from lowes. We have had it up nearly 3 years, and have no issues.

someone was kind enough to give me a used green wire fence with t-posts - about 4 and 1/2 ft high. the last straw was seeing on my video camera their dog squatting on my property and the owner just watching. i couldnt find an excrements so maybe false alarm but this is poor dog training!!

about the toddlers, yes he has wandered over here but the young sibling or the mother will come get him within a min or 2. i dont want to say they are bad parents because likely they just turned their back for a min and the toddler is curious.

ive talked to them before and they apologize. they are otherwise good neighbors (well we can have worse) they are the earthy crunchy free people, not sure how to explain. im not confrontational but have communicated with them. just doing all i can so i am not legally responsible incase he gets hurt.

someone asked for pic of property so here it us. the blue line will have to be a bit nicer since it faces the street, the iron ones maybe that was suggested here

thoughts?

earthy crunchy free people. lol. I know exactly who you mean. (Is this in Oregon by chance?)

they prob don't believe in fences.

anyway, do what you have to do since you aren't the confrontational type.

wrought iron on the street side? maybe do a cedar fence around the sides? up to you what you like. as long as it keeps out the neighbors 'property', it's fine.

lol no but i think they lived there (or somewhere close out west) before they came here so that probably explains it

someone else comments about the motion detection sprinkler which i like. the temp here is 30 degrees one day and 60 the next so it wouldnt work for this purpose. but will use this idea for the front lawn in the summer

vic, just sit down w/the granola parents and have an serious talk w/them. explain the legality issue. explain you don't want to have to get 'the establishment' involved, but you also don't want to be put in a bad situation. If they still don't get it, then maybe they need an official door knock from someone else. But I'm sure you can get your point across and stay neighborly. ask them to contribute to the fence fund and you'll be responsible for all the install. maybe that will help

We installed the push in fencing from Lowe’s two years ago to prevent our dog from accessing the rest of the yard when it’s rainy and wet. It’s worked great and held up very well.

Earthy GRANOLA. !! That explains it all. If you tell me academia with the granola I will say it's a miracle they don't ask you to sit with the toddler for a few hours, while they finish writing a few more paragraphs,,,,,,,,: )

Beth and I are on the same page:

Just remind them , its a neighborhood, and they AREN'T off the grid. lol

I have the push in fencing too, but mine was from Menards. It also has a gate section. I use it to close off a section between the house and the garage. I’ve had it for 3 years, rain, snow and sun and it still holding up.

(excuse the mess, I was painting the deck and had crap everywhere).